The Muppets on Disney Holiday SingAlong!

 The Muppets will appear on the upcoming Disney Holiday SingAlong special.

Other celebrities singing along this time include Andrea Bocelli, BTS, Michael Bublé, Ciara, Chloe x Halle, Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert, Julianne Hough, Adam Lambert, Leslie Odom Jr., Katy Perry, P!NK and Kerry Washington, and Disney Theatrical Production's Broadway casts of "The Lion King" and "Aladdin," and North American Touring companies of "Frozen."

The set list announced so far is:

Andrea Bocelli - "Silent Night" 

BTS - "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" 

Michael Bublé - "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" 

Ciara - "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" 

Chloe x Halle - "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" 

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert - "Hey Santa" and "Jingle Bells" 

Julianne Hough - "Whistle While You Work" and "Let It Snow" 

Adam Lambert - "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" 

Leslie Odom Jr. - "What's This?" 

Katy Perry - "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Cozy Little Christmas" 

P!NK - "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" 

Kerry Washington - "Joy to the World"

No mention what the Muppets will be doing yet, but you can watch a promo below:

The Disney Holiday SingAlong airs tonight - Monday November 30th, at 8pm on ABC. 

Update:

Watch Kermit and Miss Piggy up the audience below:

Black Friday Record Store Day: Fraggle Rock!

Today is a special Black Friday Record Store Day and just like the other recent Record Store Days there is a limited edition Henson release. This one from the new Apple TV+ series Fraggle Rock: Rock On!

The Fraggle Rock: Rock On! picture disc is being distributed by Lakeshore Records and is limited to just 1000 copies. However, it is being issued a 'RSD First' Release, that means more will be available soon - just without the Record Store Day Sticker. 

The track list is below:

01. Fraggle Rock Theme -  The Fraggles 

02. Shine On -Fraggle Rock - The Fraggles 

03. Let Me Be Your Song -The Fraggles, Common 

04. Wemblin’ Fool - The Fraggles, Jason Mraz 

05. Fraggle Rock Theme Finale - The Fraggles, Common, Tiffany Haddish,
      Neil Patrick Harris, Ziggy Marley, Alanis Morissette, Jason Mraz

Click here to find a participating store near you. 

Happy Thanksgiving 2020!

While it may look and feel a bit different this year, we wish you and your socially distanced family and friends a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Who wouldn't thought a year later the Muppet Portal ads would be more relevant now...

And while there won't be any Muppet characters in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year for the first time since 1974, our friends at ToughPigs put together a compilation of many of their appearances in the parade over the years. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Fraggle Rock Reboot Begins Shooting in January!

According to the Calgary Herald the Fraggle Rock reboot will begin shooting in mid-January!

The series is co-production between The Jim Henson Company, AppleTV+ And New Regency Productions and will be filmed entirely at the Calgary Film Centre in Canada where sets are currently being built.

The production is operating under the working title Raphanus, which is Latin for radish. 

Behind the scenes of the original series

“We’re seeing designs that are top-drawer of a genre that we’ve never seen (here) before,” said Tom Benz, business agent of the film workers union IATSE 212. “It’s animatronics, puppeteering. It’s something we’ve not had before. It’s certainly not location-driven. What can be said is that they are here for the skill set and the business environment. It’s not about mountains or badlands.”

The production will last until late May or early June and that the series has taken over all three of the Film Centre's sound stages.

While each episode of Fraggle Rock: Rock On, Apple TV+'s first foray down to Fraggle Rock, was only 5 minutes long, the reboot season will consist of full-length episodes. 

Writers Matt Fusfeld and Alex Cuthbertson (New Girl and American Dad!), will serve as showrunners. Lisa Henson is one of the executive producers and original Fraggle Rock performers Dave Goelz and Karen Prell have also signed on for the series.

If filming ends in June we could expect to see the Fraggle Rock reboot to start streaming sometime late next year or early 2022 exclusively on Apple TV+. 

Sesame Place Black Friday Sales!

From now until Friday Sesame Place is having a few Black Friday sales.

Season pass deals can found found online now through Friday.

On Black Friday itself save 25% on your entire purchase at Mr. Hooper's Emporium and Finders Keepers! Stock up on your favorite Sesame Street plush, clothing, pins and more!

Season Pass Members save 35%!

Unfortunately, the store deals are in-person only.

More info at SesamePlace.com

Dark Crystal Mystic and Bestiary Notebooks!

Ready for 2020 to be over? Feeling the need to write down everything? Well, early 2021 brings not one, but two Dark Crystal notebooks. 

From the original film there's The Dark Crystal: Mystic Softcover Notebook. 

And featuring creatures from entire world of Thra is The Dark Crystal: Bestiary Creatures Softcover Notebook.

Both notebooks have 240 ruled pages, a ribbon placeholder, and an elastic band

Simon & Shuster is releasing each notebook January 19, 2021 and both can be pre-ordered through Amazon from the links above.

Rare Muppet Clips Volume 11!

We're back with another batch of rare Muppet performances. 

Again, we do not own these clips, nor do we make any guarantees to how long they'll be available, so watch them while you can!

Kermit and Miss Piggy on Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (1979):

Sesame Place Commercial (1988):

The Muppets on Des O'Connor Entertains (1976):

Des O'Connor, was a UK TV personality, who recorded his talk show at the same studio as The Muppet Show. Des recently passed at the age of 88.

Originally on February 27, 1976. The Muppets appear in the opener to promote the premiere of The Muppet Show and features many Muppets performed by some other then their regular performer. Take a look...

That's John Lovelady as Conrad Waldorf - yes, Conrad was going to be his first name -  Richard Hunt as George The Janitor, and Dave Goelz as Wally, who was never seen again. 

View-Master Interactive Vision: "Muppet Madness" VCR Video (1988):

Next up is something rare even for this series, a video that's brand new!

Kohl’s Commercial "Give With All Your Heart" (2020):

Yes, that's Willie Nelson's version of "The Rainbow Connection." It's good to see the Muppets still used in commercials even if no Muppets actually appear. 

If you like these be sure to check out parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

If you find a rare Muppet clip and would like us to share it, please send us a link!

Labyrinth Tarot Cards Coming Soon!

I see something... something set in the world of Labyrinth ... something not too far in the future...It's so close it's almost Insight.....I see Labyrinth Tarot Cards!

Yes, coming next year are Labyrinth Tarot Cards from our friends at Insight Editions. 

Let Jareth, Sara, Hoggle, and other beloved characters from Jim Henson's Labyrinth guide your tarot practice with the official Labyrinth Tarot Deck.

Characters from Jim Henson’s beloved classic Labyrinth try their hand at tarot in this whimsical take on a traditional 78-card tarot deck, which reimagines Jareth, Sara, Hoggle, and other denizens of Goblin City in original illustrations based on classic tarot iconography. Featuring both the Major and Minor Arcana, the set also comes with a helpful guidebook with explanations of each card’s meaning, as well as simple spreads for easy readings. Packaged in a sturdy, decorative gift box, this stunning deck of tarot cards is the perfect gift for Labyrinth fans and tarot enthusiasts everywhere.

While Labyrinth Tarot Cards and Guidebook won't be released until July 20, 2021, you can pre-order it now through Amazon. 

The Muppets Make History!

Michael Davis, author of Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street, recently sat down with History This Week .

November 10, 1969. It’s a Monday. Across the US, parents and babysitters and grandparents and aunts and uncles are turning on the TV, because there's a new show out today for kids: Sesame Street. The show has now been on the air for more than 50 years. It’s been viewed by 80 million Americans, and it’s aired in 120 countries. Some people call it the most influential show in the history of TV. How was Sesame Street born? And how did it help change the way millions of children learn?

You can listen to the entire episode below:

"Ready, Steady, Worm!" Coming in 2021!

River Horse has a new game set in the world of Labyrinth "Ready, Steady, Worm!"

 

From River Horses Press release: 

Four worms enter, four worms leave, but only one worm can be the winner of this exciting race to the edge.

Get ready to collect gems and use Goblin tricks to tip the odds in your favor, and remember, the Goblin King can twist everything in an instant by spinning the walls and changing the entire board!

Worm racing is one of the grand past-times of the Labyrinth, enjoyed by goblins of all ages. It is mostly used to settle debates such as: “Who gets the last Snæfbutle?” “Which one of us gets to be called Smügle?” and “Did Pilch cheat last time we played Ready, Steady, Worm!?”

While there's no release date, "Ready, Steady, Worm!" will be available sometime in 2021.

Sesame Place Street Tour & 50th Anniversary Merch!

Last year we went to Sesame Place and showed you the premiere of their new show. 

Well, after some technical difficulties (and life in general getting in the way) we are pleased to FINALLY bring you parts 2 and 3 - yes, surprise ...it's a trilogy! 

Since it's been so long, here's part 1:

Join us now for part 2 as we take a tour of the new neighborhood area and take a look at the amazing merchandise available at Hooper's Emporium. 

In the thrilling conclusion, we show you the items we picked up for the Muppet Stuff Museum. 

Be sure to like and subscribe to our Youtube channel for more videos. 

Hägar the Horrible Series Coming From The Jim Henson Company!

The Jim Henson Company and King Features are working together on a possible Hägar the Horrible series.

According to Deadline, the project is being written by Eric Ziobrowski and executive produced by The Jim Henson Company's Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford and King Features' C.J. Kettler.

Created by Dik Brown, Hägar the Horrible debuted as a comic strip in 1973 and follows "the hardworking Viking family led by a larger than life hero, Hägar, who can’t quite understand how the society he once understood is changing around him."

"As a burly Viking with a tough exterior, Hägar is an enormously sympathetic character who is out of step with the evolving world around him. His village’s cultural zeitgeist is changing, and he is trying to keep up," Kettler said. "The Jim Henson Company is known for their amazing storytelling and incredible digital puppetry, and we can’t wait to reimagine Hägar with them and introduce him to next generation audiences together."

"Hägar is long overdue for his own series, and this new animated family sitcom, set in the rich and hilarious world of Vikings, will continue the tradition of what we do best at The Jim Henson Company," Henson added. "Hägar is such a well-established, evergreen character and audiences immediately know and love him. Dik Browne’s comic will be a delightful and irreverent playground for our digital puppetry studio."

No word on a release date or network were announced.  

Sesame Street's 51st Season Launches Tomorrow On HBO Max!

Sesame Street begins it's 51st season tomorrow on HBO Max.

Below is the official press release: 

Beloved Children's Series Begins Two-year Curricular Focus on Playful Problem-Solving, Brought to Life Through New Anthem 'I Wonder, What If, Let's Try" Performed by Hailee Steinfeld

Additional Celebrity Guests in Season 51 Include Kelsea Ballerini, Stephen and Ayesha Curry, Billy Porter, Issa Rae, and Maggie Rogers

(New York, N.Y.) – Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind a half century of award-winning children’s television, will launch Sesame Street’s 51st season on Thursday, November 12 on HBO Max, marking the first season to debut on the streaming platform. New episodes – 35 in all – will be available every Thursday on HBO Max, with the season coming to PBS KIDS in Fall 2021.

“We are proud to announce our newest episodes of Sesame Street, designed to entertain and educate kids as we help them build curiosity, creativity, and persistence – an especially crucial focus as families continue to face unprecedented challenges,” said Steve Youngwood, Sesame Workshop’s President of Media & Education and COO, who becomes the nonprofit’s CEO in January 2021. “This season debut on HBO Max marks another key moment in our partnership with WarnerMedia. We are grateful to them and our longstanding partners at PBS for their continued support as we work together to help children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”

 

“Sesame Street has a longstanding legacy of doing incredibly important things for children by shaping culture and sparking important conversations among all of us. For me personally, I’m thrilled to be reunited with all the exceptional people that make Sesame Workshop the force that it is,” added Tom Ascheim, President, Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics.

Sesame Street's latest season marks the beginning of a two-year curriculum focused on playful problem-solving, designed to build critical thinking skills in young children and better equip them to handle challenges in school and beyond. As Sesame Street Muppets, human cast members, and guest stars alike face obstacles – while building a castle, staging a circus, fixing the inner workings of a grandfather clock, and more – they approach these problems with curiosity, creativity, and perseverance, together using phrases and corresponding gestures as starting points in finding solutions: I wonder…? (pointer finger to temple); What if…? (pointer finger to chin); and Let’s try! (pointer finger in the air).

 

A new anthem – “I Wonder, What If, Let’s Try” – performed by celebrity guest Hailee Steinfeld, brings this curriculum to life and makes its season debut on Thursday, November 26. The anthem will appear in Sesame Street episodes throughout the year. 

Check out the sizzle reel for the season below:

Today on #VeteransDay we are proud to honor all veterans who served and protected our country. Thank you for your service! pic.twitter.com/tW68OPsnRj

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) November 11, 2020

51 years later and everyone's favorite furry friends are still keeping us laughing, learning, and playing together! Watch a brand-new season of Sesame Street, streaming November 12 on @hbomax. pic.twitter.com/L6JkHge6NG

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) November 10, 2020

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Celebrity Airdates:

Nov. 19: Maggie Rogers
Nov. 26: Hailee Steinfeld
Dec. 10: Issa Rae
March 25: Steph and Ayesha Curry
April 1: Billy Porter
June 17: Kelsea Ballerini

More info and select episode descriptions can be found at Season 51's press kit. 

Sesame Street will continue to be available on PBS stations and on the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and anytime on the free PBS KIDS Video App. 

RIP Alex Trebek (1940 - 2020)

This legendary Jeopardy! host recently lost his lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Who is Alex Trebek?

Trebek hosted many games shows over his decades spanning career including Battlestars, Pitfall, High Rollers and The Magnificent Marble Machine. But it was the rebooted version of Jeopardy! that made him a household name.

During his tenure he hosted every episode of Jeopardy! except one where he switched places with Wheel of Fortune's Pat Sajak for a April Fool's Day prank in 1997. 

Born in Canada Trebek became a naturalized citizen in 1998 and has stars on both the Hollywood and Canadian walks of fame. 

Over the year Trebek won seven Outstanding Game Show Host Daytime Emmys and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In 2000,  he was elected into the National Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

He was also named an officer of the Order of Canada - the nation's second-highest civilian honor.

Over the years Jeopardy! has references the Muppets numerous times, on a few occasions they even had their own categories!

In 2005, he made a brief appearance on The Tony Danza Show where he was being interviewed by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy , on the red carpet of the Daytime Emmy Awards. 

A year later Trebek made an appearance on Sesame Street teaching Telly the "Specials of the Day" at Hooper's Store.

 

In March 2019. Trebek was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but continued to host through October. The shows he already filmed will air through Dec. 25

 

Alex Trebek was 80.

Count it Higher!

The Count, counting, how races are won, being a poor winner/ sour loser, and how voting works seem to be in the news these days. 

With that in mind today let's look at some Sesame Street counting bits , what it means to vote, and how to win/lose graciously. 

Classic Sesame Street - 9 Wins The Race 

 

 Steve Carrell - Vote

The big bad wolf is a sore loser:

We're sharing this again for anyone that still doesn't understand  how elections work:

 

Please share this with anyone that has access to the current white house staff. They

apparently need some reminding. 

Keep on Counting!

New Muppet Shirts!

We recently spotted these new Muppet shirts. Many are available at local comic shops and online. 

Sam Eagle You Are All Weirdos Muppets:

Trollin' Since '76:

Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem World Tour:

Bunsen & Beaker:

Fozzie Bear Wocka Wocka:

Miss Piggy Diva:

In addition to the shirts above, these next two were spotted in person at our local comic store, but not on Amazon. 

If local comic stores are carrying th eline then they must be available through Diamond Comic Distribution, If you want any of the shirts above I would go to your local comic shop, see if they have or can order one before buying it from Amazon. 

This is a great way to support both Muppet brand and local businesses. 

Click here top find a comic shop near you. 

VOTE! VOTE!! VOTE!!!!

 America, today is the last day to get your ballots in and vote.

In 2016, we asked you to vote and hopefully most of you did. Now it's 2020, and not only are we asking you to vote, this year we're also strongly encouraging who and what to vote for!

A few weeks ago our friends at Tough Pigs endorsed Joe Biden. Not only do we  wholeheartedly agree with their decision and the rational behind it, today we are also asking you not only to vote for Biden and Harris, but democrats up and down the ballot as well.  

Over the last 4 years we've seen who Trump is and what he stand for - himself. He's a real world cartoon villain and must go along with all that have enable him. 

I think Fozzie said it best in The Great Muppet Caper: 

If you were unsure why this election is so important we hope the following clips help you understand.

Our hope is that you bookmark this post and watch / share it while you're in line at the polls, or to help get others motivated as well.  

 

I know I'm preaching to mostly the choir, but based on the comments I've seen when politics comes up on various Muppet fans sites and pages, there are still sadly a few you that just don't get who Jim Henson was, what his creations stand for, or lessons they are trying to impart. 

I hope these clips show what's at stake. 

Equality, Compassion, Empathy, Women's Right's, Civil Rights, Voting Rights, LQBTQ Rights the Environment, Science, Facts and Truth all on the line. 

The world is watching.

(Image by James V Carroll)

The polls close at 8pm and as long as you are in line by then they must let you cast your vote. 

If you’re not sure where to vote, check Vote.org for info.

Sesame Place Free for Teachers!

Sesame Place Teacher Passes are now available for all teachers of grades K-12 in PA, NY, NJ and DE.

The Teacher Pass allows you unlimited park admission, now through 1/2/22. To be eligible for the free Teacher Pass you must have a valid teaching certificate and register online by 11/3/20. 

Once you register online, you will receive a voucher that must be redeemed at Guest Relations in the park by 1/2/22. If you had a Teacher Pass for the 2020 season, your pass will automatically renew, and all you need to do is visit the Guest Relations or Welcome Center upon your next visit to update the pass for the new 2021 season.

Quick links for teachers in each qualifying state are below:

Pennsylvania

New Jersey

New York

Delaware

Again, to be eligible for the free Teacher Pass you must have a valid teaching certificate and register online by 11/3/20.